On Monday 29 March 2021, a huge tragedy occurred in the town of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. In the evening hours, a fire broke out in the refugee camp located there.
Up to now, there are up to 900 000 Rohing refugees in Cox’s Bazar camp – an ethnic group not recognised by the Burmese Government. This is one of the most numerous ethnic groups at risk of persecution.
As a result of the fire, around 50 000 refugees had to relocate, nearly 400 people are missing, and the number of dead is very likely to be 15.
The flames covered a large part of the camp. Shelters were burnt, but also hospitals, educational centres and places where food is distributed.
Unfortunately, it has not been possible to establish the cause of the tragedy.
The priority at this point will be to adopt a plan to rebuild the camp and to undertake rescue operations. The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, among others, has expressed its willingness to help.
Aleksandra Zakrzewska
Source: national-geogfraphic.pl.